Content Category: Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Smishing is a cyber fraud technique where attackers send deceptive SMS messages to trick individuals into divulging personal information or clicking on malicious links.
Cybercriminals Target Your Holiday Cheer
There is an increase in cybercrime around Christmas and New Year that can be attributed to the holiday season’s unique online behaviors and opportunities that attract cybercriminals. During this period, there’s a surge in online shopping as people rush to buy gifts, often leading to a relaxed approach to clicking links and making transactions. This frenzy makes it easier for scammers to create fake websites or send phishing emails and smishing (SMS phishing) messages that mimic popular retailers or special holiday deals, thus capturing credit card details and personal information.
Your Phone May Be Lying to You
Smishing, a portmanteau of “SMS” and “phishing,” is a type of cyber attack where scammers use text messages to trick recipients into divulging personal information, financial details, or security credentials. Unlike traditional phishing which primarily uses emails, smishing exploits our reliance on smartphones, the generally weakness of SMS security filters, and the perception that text messages are more trustworthy than emails.